6 TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR VOICE

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Our Musical theatre course is a highly sought after one in a highly demanding industry where performers may be working 6 nights a week for months on end, having already completed months and months of hard-core rehearsals. And for the performer working within an environment where their voice must be projected and put under continuous strain, anything less than a robust routine that protects the voice can lead to a whole host of issues, ranging from repetitive infections right through to the sometimes career ending laryngitis. With this in mind here we present 6 essential tips for protecting your voice for musical theatre.

Limit your performances

As a show launch approaches it can be all too easy to become wrapped up in theatre fever… which can see you singing in your car, in the shower and everywhere in-between. This can lead to voice conditions that strike all of a sudden, so always be aware of when impromptu performances are sneaking in, and keep rehearsals to a very set, acceptable frequency.

Recognise warning signs and deal with them swiftly

Recognising the warning signs of an approaching voice condition is key to limiting its effects. Warning signs then include: discomfort, slight changes in your range, and changes to how long it takes to warm up and voice fatigue that sets in more quickly than it did previously. And when these signs appear seek immediate professional medical advice and go on complete voice rest.

You should also take care to monitor the performance of your voice over the course of a rehearsal. You should be able to spot the ever so slight warning sounds that your voice is feeling the strain, and you shouldn’t be afraid of rehearsals that are made to be shorter and more frequent, rather than longer and more stressful upon your voice.

What’s more you should find a good otolaryngologist who will be able to advise and answer any questions that you may have in relation to treating your voice well and avoiding what can be career damaging injury.

Find a mentor that can get to know your voice inside out

A voice mentor that works closely with you will most likely be able to spot changes within your voice before you do. Mentors that know the industry inside out will also be able to advise on overcoming conditions and finding the right treatment.

Warm up properly each time, every time

This has likely been stressed to you since you began your first ever singing lessons, but it’s worth saying again: Warming up is not to be underestimated. So for every practice session, rehearsal of performance, no matter how big or small, always follow your set warm up exercises. Something we preach on our musical theatre course.

Don’t neglect the importance of a holistic approach to your health

Maintaining every element of your health is very often underestimated in and as it may relate to and affect the voice. However it is often said that the tongue is the one part of us to reflect the state of our overall health. Equally then it stands to reason that our vocal chords and the voice that emerges from them will similarly suffer if an element of our general health does.

So eat well, indulge in plenty of exercise and get into a healthy routine that features plenty of sleep, and that is decidedly free from excess caffeine, alcohol and, of course, tobacco.

Never stop learning

As a professional singer you should never think that you know anywhere near enough. A true professional will never stop learning, evolving or adapting to improve their performances. And this goes on to include the ways in which you can treat and train your voice in ways that maintains your vocal health. It’s part and parcel of our musical theatre course.